Nigeria House of representatives says consideration would be given to the motion demanding the sack of minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami, when it is properly presented.
The minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, on Wednesday, had raised a point of order calling for the sack of Pantami over his past views supporting terror groups – Al-Qaeda and Taliban.
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The speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, however faulted the lawmaker for raising an external matter under privilege which concerns issues that affect only lawmakers.
At the resumption of the plenary session on Thursday, Ahmed Jaha from Borno state, north-eastern Nigeria, drew the attention of his fellow lawmakers to reports claiming that the house ignored a motion on Pantami.
Spokesman to the House, Benjamin Kalu, in a statement on Friday, denied the reports, adding that the house is ready to consider the motion from Elumelu when it is properly presented.
Kalu said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the House is guided by the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (House Rules) in its operations and administration.
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“In this case, the Minority Leader has been asked to bring his views via a House motion to enable others to contribute to it in a truly democratic fashion, after which the House would be able to take a position on the issue.”
He therefore informed Nigerians that “the House has not acted in error, but in line with the provisions of its rules.
“All insinuations that the House did not allow democratic debate to take place on the important issue of Pantami’s resignation are simply untrue.
He addressed the priority placed on the issue, “the House acknowledges the severity of the issue and its nature as a matter of public concern.
“As always, the House stands ready to give an audience to Rep. Elumelu or any other member of the House on this issue, provided that such audience is sought through the proper channels and brought under the relevant rules of the House.”
Recall that the presidency in the defence of Pantami said the Minister is “currently, subject to a ‘cancel campaign’ instigated by those who seek his removal.”
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